9 Video Games That Used Everything You'd Learned Against You

6. Mario Kart's Blue Shell

bovine defence force
Nintendo

Doing well in a race, are you? Here comes the blue shell to ruin your day!

Ok, hands up how many people have been about to win a race on Mario Kart and that damn blue shell comes out nowhere, wipes you out and you end up losing your first place position?

Designed as a catchup powerup for gamers who are struggling to compete in Mario Kart, the blue shell is infamous for its devastating capabilities. It almost feels like if you're actively good at Mario Kart, this is its way to punish you for getting just a bit too good. Blue shell keeps you humble.

It does, however, feel like active punishment for getting good at the game too. You've mastered the mechanics, executed perfect turns, know when to use your weapons, and cruised past everyone to the top spot.

Then BAM! - there's the blue shell smacking straight into you and you watch, sobbing, as the other players zoom straight past you.

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Contributor

Dan Curtis is approximately one-half videogame knowledge, and the other half inexplicable Geordie accent. He's also one quarter of the Factory Sealed Retro Gaming podcast.